Andrew Stern’s family says the rumors surrounding his suicide and his relationship with “Deal or No Deal” model Katie Cleary are “false and hurtful.”

A family spokesman said in a statement, “It’s extremely upsetting that our family’s private tragedy has become public, and we’d like to ask the media to please respect our privacy as we grieve our only son.”

“This unwanted attention has resulted in several false and hurtful speculations that do not truthfully describe the devoted, unselfish, accomplished and proud man Andrew was.” Photo: The Stern Family

Photo: The Stern FamilyThe statement continued, “Andrew was an adored son, cherished friend, successful businessman, adventurous athlete, passionate animal rights activist & humanitarian. No one is without flaws, but Andrew was a giving & generous spirit who touched so many lives in a positive way.”

“For those of us who loved him, there will never be an answer to ‘why?’ We choose to honor his memory by remembering how he lived, not how he died.”